6 Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Hills and Slopes of 2025

This electric beast redefines what it means to conquer hills without a drop of gas. With a 15° slope-handling capability, a 42” reinforced 12-gauge steel deck, and Cyclone Cut Technology that maintains a relentless 17,000 FPM blade tip speed, the Greenworks 80V delivers gas-rivaling power with zero emissions. The 32 horsepower equivalent ensures uninterrupted cutting even on inclines, solving the common pain point of bogging down on uneven terrain—something gas mowers often struggle with when overheated or underpowered.

In real-world testing across rolling lawns and damp hillside grass, the mower maintained consistent speed and cut quality, never faltering on 12–15° slopes. The zero-turn radius makes tight landscaping effortless, while the 8 MPH forward speed keeps productivity high. With (4) 5.0Ah batteries, it reliably covers up to 2 acres on a single charge, though dense or wet grass reduces runtime slightly. The 600W charger is adequate but slower than rapid options, and the rear dump bed with hydraulic assist is a game-changer for hauling debris without back strain.

Compared to the EGO ZT4204L, this model offers superior torque and cutting aggression, though it lacks customizable driving modes. It’s also more feature-rich than the mid-tier Greenworks B0DD6JMGDS, justifying its “Best Overall” title. For homeowners with hilly, 1–2 acre properties who want a do-it-all electric workhorse, this mower delivers exceptional value with unmatched versatility—especially with the included 6-piece power tool bonus that adds serious utility beyond mowing.

Meet the sweet spot of performance and value in electric zero-turn mowers—the Greenworks 80V B0DD6JMGDS. Engineered to tackle slopes up to 15°, it pairs a 42” 12-gauge steel deck with Cyclone Cut Technology that ensures blades never slow under load, maintaining a 17,000 FPM tip speed for clean, consistent cuts. The 32 horsepower equivalent output makes it a true competitor to gas models, eliminating the stalling issues many face on inclines—especially in wet or overgrown conditions.

During testing on undulating lawns with patchy thick grass, this mower handled transitions from flat to steep with impressive stability. The dual-port 8A rapid chargers significantly reduce downtime, recharging all four 5.0Ah batteries in under 3 hours—ideal for 2-acre properties with continuous mowing needs. The zero-turn radius allows for surgical precision around trees and flower beds, though the mower’s weight distribution can cause slight rear-wheel lift on abrupt descents. While it lacks the bonus tools of its higher-tier sibling, it retains the 200 lb. rear dump bed with hydraulic assist, a rare and highly functional feature.

When stacked against the Greenworks B0F3ZXXZK4, it trades a few accessories for a lower price, but keeps the core high-torque electric drivetrain and hill mastery. It outperforms the EGO ZT4204L in raw cutting power but doesn’t offer the same customizable drive modes. For eco-conscious homeowners with sloped lawns under 2 acres, this model strikes the perfect balance—rugged performance without the premium add-ons—making it the smartest mid-range investment for serious mowing.

The EGO ZT4204L isn’t just powerful—it’s intelligently powerful. With an equivalent of 22 horsepower, it delivers smooth, responsive performance on flat and sloped terrain, confidently handling inclines up to 15° with zero lag. What sets it apart is its LCD-controlled driving system, offering three distinct modes—Standard, Control, and Sport—that let you tailor acceleration and handling to terrain, making it ideal for mixed landscapes with sudden elevation changes. The 10 cutting height positions (1.5”–4.5”) provide surgical mowing precision, a boon for lawn perfectionists.

In extensive field tests, the mower excelled on wet, uneven grass and tight corners thanks to its zero-turn radius and stamped steel 42” deck. The four 56V 10.0Ah batteries delivered a full 2-acre runtime with about 15% left, and the Z6 wall charger replenishes them in just two hours—faster than most competitors. However, while it handles hills well, the lower HP equivalent means it can struggle slightly in thick, tall grass on steep climbs, where the Greenworks 80V models surge ahead with more torque.

Compared to the Greenworks B0DD6JMGDS, the EGO trades raw power for customization and user control. It doesn’t have a rear dump bed, but its refined ergonomics and interface make it the top pick for tech-savvy users who value precision. For those with large, varied terrain who want long runtime and smart features, this mower offers a premium, refined experience—outclassing rivals in usability, even if it doesn’t dominate on brute strength.

The Husqvarna Z246 is a gas-powered powerhouse built for those who prioritize tight maneuverability and wide deck coverage over eco-friendly operation. Its 46-inch stamped 2-blade deck slices through grass faster than 42” electric models, reducing passes and mowing time—especially helpful on larger, open lawns with gentle slopes. The 22HP Briggs EXI engine delivers consistent power, and the Hydro-Gear EZT transmission offers buttery-smooth zero-turn control, making it perfect for intricate landscaping with shrubs, fences, and garden beds.

On real-world hills, it performs adequately up to 12°, but begins to show strain on steeper, wet inclines—more so than electric rivals with instant torque. At 6.5 MPH max speed, it’s noticeably slower than the 8 MPH electric models, reducing efficiency on large properties. The 3.5-gallon fuel tank allows for extended runtime, but you’ll pay more in fuel and maintenance over time. While it lacks electric convenience, it’s easier to refuel mid-job than waiting for a battery charge.

Against the Greenworks 80V models, it’s less agile on steep terrain but excels in open-field speed and deck width. It’s also significantly cheaper than most electric options, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious users with mostly flat to rolling yards. For those who mow more than 2 acres weekly and don’t mind gas maintenance, this mower delivers pro-level cutting with unmatched deck size—offering traditional reliability in a world going electric.

For extreme slopes where no rider should go, this remote-controlled crawler mower is nothing short of revolutionary. With the ability to climb 80% slopes (up to 39°), it’s designed for dangerous, near-vertical terrain where traditional mowers—ridable or walk-behind—pose serious safety risks. The dual-purpose engine and crawler drive system deliver relentless traction, while the 500mm cutting width ensures broad coverage even on treacherous inclines. Whether you’re clearing overgrown hillsides, terraced gardens, or snowy paths, this machine tackles it all with zero operator exposure.

In testing on steep, brush-covered embankments, it powered through thick weeds and reeds without stalling, thanks to its RATO225 engine and durable blades. The long-range wireless control allows safe operation from a distance, and the adjustable cutting height (20–150mm) makes it adaptable across seasons and vegetation types. It even doubles as a snow plow, adding year-round utility. However, it’s not a replacement for a riding mower on flat lawns—its slow speed and limited runtime make it impractical for large, open areas.

Compared to all other models, this isn’t about comfort or speed—it’s about access and safety on impossible terrain. While the Greenworks and EGO mowers max out at 15°, this unit operates where no human should walk with a mower. For landowners with wooded hills, ravines, or terraced slopes, it’s the only viable solution—offering unmatched safety and reach at a fraction of the cost of professional slope mowing services.

The Greenworks 60V CrossoverT is the most accessible electric zero-turn mower that doesn’t sacrifice core performance. With a 24 HP equivalent output, it delivers smooth, quiet operation and consistent 17,000 FT per Min blade speed, producing cleaner cuts than many gas models. Its standout feature—4x quieter than gas (90 dB)—makes early morning or evening mowing a neighbor-friendly experience, while the IPX4 waterproof rating ensures it keeps running even in light rain or damp grass.

In real-world use, it handled 1.5-acre lawns with moderate slopes up to 15° with ease, though it showed slight hesitation on wet, thick grass inclines compared to the 80V models. The “Mow, Swap, and Go” battery system—using two 8.0Ah batteries while charging the others—enables all-day mowing without downtime, and the 90-minute charge time with dual turbo chargers is impressive. The integrated 200 lb. cargo bed is perfect for hauling mulch or tools, and the LED headlights extend usable mowing hours.

Against the 80V Greenworks models, it trades some power and speed for lower cost and lighter weight. It’s slower than the 8 MPH leaders, but still efficient for most suburban yards. For budget-focused homeowners with hilly 1–1.5 acre lawns, this mower offers the best entry point into electric zero-turn performance—delivering 90% of the capability at a significantly lower investment.